SoHo kidnapping suspect in cryptocurrency case released after posting million bond.

A significant development occurred on Thursday when Jonathan Woeltz, a 37-year-old suspect implicated in a disturbing kidnapping and torture case, was released from Rikers Island after posting bond set at million. This follows a Manhattan judge’s decision to grant him home confinement under electronic monitoring, a decision that was made just one week prior.

Woeltz, who hails from Kentucky and is reportedly involved in cryptocurrency investments, faces serious allegations in connection with the confinement of Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, an Italian national. Prosecutors assert that Woeltz and his alleged accomplice, 33-year-old William Duplessie, restrained and assaulted Carturan for an extended period of three weeks at a luxurious townhouse located on Prince Street in Manhattan. During this time, they allegedly stripped Carturan of his phone and passport while subjecting him to various forms of physical and psychological abuse.

The nature of the alleged offenses is particularly harrowing. Prosecutors have indicated that Woeltz and Duplessie resorted to extreme measures, such as binding and beating their victim, threatening his family with murder, and using horrifying tools like a chainsaw in their intimidation attempts. In addition, it is claimed that they electrocuted Carturan, inflicted burns, engaged in pistol-whipping, and even urinated on him. The situation escalated to the point where Carturan was reportedly dangled over a fifth-floor staircase, facing death threats if he did not reveal the password to a Bitcoin wallet that Woeltz and Duplessie sought to access.

The grim details of this purported extortion scheme came to light when Carturan managed to escape the townhouse in a desperate state, drawing the attention of a nearby traffic agent. As the investigation unfolds, both Woeltz and Duplessie have pleaded not guilty to a multitude of charges, including kidnapping, illegal gun possession, and unlawful imprisonment. If convicted, they could be staring at life sentences.

Defense attorneys for the two men have argued that the events in question were mischaracterized, suggesting that the accusations are exaggerated and that Carturan willingly participated in activities that included late-night parties and other gatherings at the townhouse.

Moving forward, Woeltz is set to await trial under the terms of his electronic monitoring, while Duplessie plans to do the same from his father’s residence in Florida, contingent on his ability to secure his own bond. As this high-profile case continues to develop, it is garnering considerable media attention and raising questions about the darker side of cryptocurrency culture.